Susan Saint James Obituary, Death: Beloved Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife Actress Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her memorable performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, has died at the age of 80. Her death on October 26, 2026, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, marks the loss of a familiar face in American television whose talent and warmth endeared her to audiences for decades.

Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois, before pursuing modelling and acting. She established herself on television in The Name of the Game, playing research assistant Peggy Maxwell. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969, setting the stage for a successful career in television.

Her popularity grew further in the 1970s when she starred opposite Rock Hudson as Sally McMillan in McMillan & Wife. She later reached another generation of viewers as Kate McArdle in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie, alongside Jane Curtin. The series, which ran from 1984 to 1989, explored friendship, parenting, and the challenges of building a life after divorce. Saint James received further Emmy nominations for both roles.

Beyond acting, Saint James was known for her commitment to family and charitable causes, particularly the Special Olympics. After Kate & Allie ended, she largely stepped away from Hollywood to focus on raising her children and building a quieter life in Connecticut. She continued to make occasional television appearances and remained connected to causes that mattered to her.

Her family remembered her as generous, compassionate, and instinctively attentive to people who needed encouragement. She endured profound personal grief when her youngest son, Edward “Teddy” Ebersol, died in a plane crash in 2004, and her family later recalled the care she gave them through that difficult period.

Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren, and her sister. Her legacy extends beyond award-winning performances: she will be remembered for her humanity, devotion to family, and the lasting joy she brought to television audiences.